In a vivid reflection of Governor Peter Mbah’s visionary governance, the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, is undergoing a renaissance marked by innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and an unrelenting drive for excellence. At the helm of this transformation is the dynamic Rector, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, whose tenure mirrors Governor Mbah’s developmental philosophy, one rooted in creativity, economic empowerment, and institutional rebirth.

Under Prof. Ogbodo’s forward-thinking leadership, supported by his able deputy, Dr. Emeka Patrick Ejim, and a progressive management team, IMT is not only experiencing infrastructural renewal but also launching impactful initiatives that blend academic excellence with entrepreneurial ingenuity. This fresh wave of reform has rekindled hope in the institution and re-established its position as a center of innovation and excellence in the South East and beyond.

In its bid to restore academic integrity and redefine the culture of excellence, the administration of Prof. Gozie Ogbodo has boldly declared zero tolerance for sorting in all forms across the Institute. This uncompromising stance applies strictly to both the “sorter” and the “sorted” a direct confrontation of the unethical practice of students being compelled to pay lecturers in exchange for grades. Under Prof. Ogbodo’s watch, IMT is reinforcing systems of transparency, instituting stricter monitoring mechanisms, and sensitizing students and staff alike on the consequences of such actions. This move has been widely applauded by stakeholders who see it as a necessary foundation for building a results-oriented academic environment driven by merit and discipline.

Another major milestone under Prof. Ogbodo’s stewardship is the recently concluded accreditation exercise involving 34 academic programs. The exercise, carried out by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), culminated in an exit report indicating a 100% success rate across all programs evaluated. While the institution awaits the formal report from NBTE that will also reflect the outcomes of the resource inspections and verification processes, the preliminary results already affirm IMT’s strengthened academic standing. This remarkable feat is a reflection of strategic preparation, improved infrastructure, and a dedicated academic workforce under the guidance of a results-driven Rector.

Furthermore, IMT’s renaissance is also being powered through robust partnerships with reputable institutions both locally and internationally. Through collaboration with Dewdrop Institute, IMT now houses a Hospitality Academy aimed at providing world-class training in tourism and hotel management. The Institute has also partnered with the German Language School under ISPIC, the Institute for Social Peace and Intercultural Competence, to promote language acquisition and cultural exchange. In yet another innovative move, the school launched a Furniture Making Academy in collaboration with ULI Furniture, bringing artisanal craftsmanship and entrepreneurship closer to students. These partnerships not only broaden the scope of technical education but also strategically position IMT graduates for global relevance and self-reliance.

One of the recent landmark achievements is the unveiling of the KUK Arena, a magnificent space built in honour of Elder K. U. Kalu, a revered patron of the arts, philanthropist, and former IMT Governing Council member. This iconic arena, designed and constructed by the Faculty of Arts, Design, and Printing Technology, stands as a testament to IMT’s commitment to heritage, creativity, and institutional memory. Prof. Ogbodo aptly described Elder Kalu as a Nigerian icon whose contributions to art, banking, and accountancy earned him national reverence. With the bust of Elder Kalu now immortalized in the arena, IMT continues to uphold and celebrate legacies that inspire future generations.

Equally symbolic of IMT’s renewal is the launch of IMT Bread, the flagship product of the newly established IMT Enterprises Ltd, registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission. This bold step into agro-industrial entrepreneurship is a strategic move to boost the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the institution. It showcases the proactive spirit of Prof. Ogbodo’s administration, a spirit rooted in sustainability, economic creativity, and results-driven governance. Deputy Rector, Dr. Emeka Ejim, lauded this initiative as a clear product of the Rector’s exceptional leadership, urging the IMT community to rally behind the new vision dubbed “The New Testament IMT.”

What is evident in these initiatives is a strong alignment between Governor Peter Mbah’s transformational agenda for Enugu State and Prof. Gozie Ogbodo’s visionary leadership at IMT. The Governor’s passion for disruptive innovation, creative economy, and human capital development is being emulated and localized in IMT through strategic initiatives that empower students, honour the past, and secure the future.

The support from staff, students, and stakeholders towards these initiatives speaks volumes of the renewed confidence in the institution’s leadership. It is no exaggeration to say that IMT is steadily becoming a model institution under Prof. Ogbodo, a vibrant microcosm of Governor Mbah’s Enugu of tomorrow.

While the arena of dreams becomes reality and the ovens of innovation roar to life under Prof Ogbodo’s, one truth remains clear: IMT is rising, and at its core is a leadership that dares to dream, build, and inspire, a leadership modeled after the sterling example of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.